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Flamenco reaches as far as Japan!

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

As part of the promotion for the biennial flamenco festival of Seville, flamenca stars such as Eva Yerbabuena have travelled as far as Japan to drum up interest for what is set to be the biggest “Bienal de Flamenco” so far!

Although the actual festival will take place in 2010, from 15 September until 9 October, though we can safely say that 2009 has not gone past quietly – in fact it has seen worldwide celebration!  From New York,  where they put on the “Noche de Sevilla” with piano from Dorantes and the voice of Arcángel.  Later in London, March 2009, Rocio Molina starred in the “Oro Viejo” show at the Sadler Wells venue.

Moving accross the continent to Italy, the people of Rome could enjoy a showing of “Noche de Sevilla” too., this time with guitars from Manolo Franco and Niño de Pura and singing from José de la Tomasa.

The stunning dance display from one of Spain's top stars!

The stunning dance display from one of Spain's top stars!

The latest installment to this world tour, taking the great Spanish custom to the world,  has teken place in Tokio, Japan.  It was here where the “Santo y Seña” show was presented to over 2000 people – all of whom could enjoy the dancing of Eva Yerbabuena, the guitar from Paco Jarana and the voice of Jeremo Segura,

The second night’s show in Tokio was “Yerbabuena” – this time with over 1500 people and a roaring success!

Given all these international shows, and the facts the festival’s website is get great amounts of attention from countries all around the world, the biennial flamenco festival of 2010 is set to be a great hit in Seville – something which will bring much tourism, excitement and atmosphere to the city – and a great time to be studying Spanish in Seville!

Check out the flights to the city now – you’ll get them cheap and be prepared for what looks like is going to be an amazing festival highlighting the many activities in Seville!

Coincidentally, Eva Yerbabuena will be going to another MESTER city in December with her show “Lluvia” – to Salamanca!  Check out our Salamanca activity post – with a downloadable programme for more details!

Seville Warming Up for Film Festival!

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

The Andalucian city of Seville is getting ready for the 6 November when, until the 14th November, film lovers from all over the world will flood the city hoping to see some of the most cutting edge Spanish and international film.

As well as the Prize of Honour going to Mr Fernando Trueba, there will be a competition of 15 films.  Of this film selection, 9 have female directors – a sign of the times that it’s not just Spanish cinema which is breaking news but that women are becoming predominant characters in the industry too.

The excitement for the festival's building...

The excitement for the festival's building...

The country invited to the competition this year is the United Kingdom.  It will be represented by London productor Jeremy Thomas who’ll make homage to British cinema with a selection of films directed by Nicolas Roeg.  Also featured will be a select montage of films from new British talent.

Returning to what’s hot from Spain, the 7th of November will see one of the climax points of the festival.  It is on this day when the nominations of the European cinema prizes will be announced.  Between the 48 films up for the awards, there are three Spanish films: Los abrazos rotos, de Pedro Almodóvar; Camino, de Javier Fesser, y Retorno a Hansala, de Chus Gutiérrez.

Seville really does have pulling power regarding big names:  those attending the festival will be lucky enough to be able to see Sören Staermose, the productor of the hit film Millennium. Staermose will open the industry forum, which will include, amongst other attractions, seminars about distribution, digital cinema and co-production between Spain and the United Kingdom.

A great example of this fusion of production is a film which will be featured in the Official Section: Triage, a co-production of Spain, Ireland and France, directed by Danis Tanovic. The film, which will open the festival, counts Paz Vega and Colin Farrell in its cast and is sure to be a hit amongst the crowd!

Seville really is a great place to choose to hold a film festival – the University’s Faculty of communication is thriving and well represented by a group of students making a mini-online series, Malviviendo.  It’s also a great place for the international guests to experience Spain – with a great temperature, stunning architecture and a warm and friendly atmosphere, it is often inspiration for studying Spanish.

Whether you visit the city itself or watch the festival from the comfort of your home, it’s sure to be an exciting 9 days!